I have lived in the lower Hunter Valley for over 30 years, but my connections go back much further. My wife grew up on a farm outside Aberdeen, so there were many trips up the Valley to the family property before it was sold. Through my father’s side, I also have a direct link to Benjamin Singleton – as part of our family history, my middle name is Singleton

I have always felt a deep affinity with the Hunter and a great concern for its future. While I fully acknowledge the economic benefits that have arisen in recent decades from the expansion of coal mining, it really distresses me to drive through the Valley as it is now and see the rampant destruction of the landscape, as well as the constant dust haze and polarised communities facing a very uncertain future as the world inevitably moves towards a cheaper and more sustainable, renewably powered future.

As soon as I heard about Hunter Renewal, I was a convert and knew I had found a way to play my small part in envisaging a thriving and diverse Valley – one that looks after its people and nature. In short, a place where my kids and grandkids will want to live, just like, or even better than, the Valley I remember from the 1970s.

I have been involved in several Hunter Renewal activities over recent years. These have included workshops and meetings with residents, as well as several days of face-to-face door-knocking in Muswellbrook. Nothing beats hearing the direct and unfiltered views of the people who are literally on the coalface. Then comes the follow-up: discerning these views and having the opportunity to help present these concerns to their political representatives.

I thoroughly recommend volunteering with Hunter Renewal – a wonderful group of people working collaboratively towards a future the Valley will be proud of.